Dublin Planning New & Creative Ways to Celebrate Independence Day

(MAY 8, 2020) – Local government associations in central Ohio have decided to advise their members to postpone Independence Day fireworks displays to protect public health during the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The Central Ohio Mayors and Managers Association (COMMA)—an association of 19 cities within the Columbus region—joined forces with the 17-member Franklin County Township Association (FCTA) in recommending members postpone their respective large-scale, community-sponsored Fourth of July parades, festivals and fireworks displays. Many communities are actively making plans to provide for alternative forms of celebration for Independence Day, with public health considerations at the forefront of their decision-making process.

The recommendation comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement by the organizers of Red, White & Boom of their plan to cancel this year’s fireworks display and develop an alternate celebration.

“The overarching priority guiding our decision is the health and welfare of our residents and communities,” said Westerville City Manager Dave Collinsworth and COMMA Chair. “The COMMA partnership’s recommendation is similar to how central Ohio communities have worked together for years under MORPC’s leadership to manage Beggar’s Night recommendations.”

COMMA members agreed unified action was preferable, since municipalities that continued with planned activities while others did not would risk even larger crowds, with people travelling to watch fireworks displays and celebrations outside their home communities.

City of Dublin Cancels Independence Day Activities

“We appreciate the regional members of COMMA coming together with the safety of our residents as our top priority,” said Dublin City Manager Dana McDaniel. “It is prudent to make this decision now due to the planning and advance expenditures necessary to conduct such events. We don’t foresee the state’s social distancing requirements being reduced significantly enough by early July to allow for the type of large gatherings that occur during a community’s Independence Day celebrations.”

McDaniel said the following City of Dublin Independence Day events are canceled: the Parade and the Evening Celebration and Concert. The Fireworks show at Dublin Coffman High School is postponed to a future date to be determined. McDaniel said we will continue our tradition of celebrating our independence this year in new and creative ways. Staff is working on a plan that will showcase Dublin’s American patriotic spirit through a home and business decorating contest. The Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby will be changed from one location to taking place throughout the City. Staff will continue to look for new ways to bring fun to the community while still protecting the health and safety of our residents.